Chapter 36

Taiy-Chan: I'm on holiday, I'm on holiday. XP

Shirogane Ayumi Asagi Kiyoshi You know, taking everything into account, that is one short review... ;)

Slave of Darkness Not at all. There are over 50 chapters in the fic. It was Believe that I have finished writing, which is the sequel to Frozen. And that fic won't appear until after Ketsuron ends. You know, Kev and Lee did very little in the battle. If it hadn't been a surprise attack...

Mika: You've either misread, or I haven't written clearly. Or both. Kevin, Lee and Ray all compete in the same age group in regards to the martial arts. What it was is that Kev is better with weapons, while Lee is better at one-on-one. When Ray was at the village, he was champion in both fields - Kev and Lee runner up in their favoured field. When Ray left, they all moved up a level, making Kev champion for weapons, and Lee champion for one-on-one. They would now be in the juivenile age group, and Kev and Lee's fathers hold the places in the adult division. Difference is, Guotin holds both champion placing for weapons and one-on-one, with Howin runner up. And Howin is rather bitter about that... I hope I've cleared it up for you somewhat.

Koneko no Rei: You know, when I originally wrote that scene (back when I was writing Honesty II, and before I'd begun Overture), Tala and Bryan did have some fun in that nook. Only when I came to writing this fic and pasted the scene in, it didn't work so well, so I edited it to what it is now. There were other things I edited, such as some of their dialogue, but most of it survived.

Kuroneko Hikage: Izure has now read Believe, and we went over it chapter by chapter looking for what I can fix up. I'm going to make a few changes, then dump it onto Stalker of Shadows and sit on her until she tells me what she thinks. Then I'll send it off to Melanie - part of an agreement I made with her as a thankyou for her picture from Frozen of Kai, Lee and Ray... If you're really nice to me, I might send you some sample chapters...

Curtis Zidane Ziraa: Nope. Ketsuron is Japanese for 'Conclusion'. Unoriginal I know, but I'm going with the pun - an overture, the main body in the first and second fics, and then the conclusion. Believe is the long overdue sequel to Frozen.

Nights Child: As I see it, only Kev and Lee can blend their beasts together. It was a technique in the third book sent to them by the Elders (refer to Honesty II). And who's to say that Tala got over himself. XP

M.S.K: XD I am so pleased that you liked it!

Chibi Kyo-chan: I like to think that Kai as better control these days. My theory is that he's had Black Dranzer so long that he's got some control over the power. Either that, or Black Dranzer is happy enough to wipe out so many beasts that she sees no need to possess Kai. And of course Bryan would do something like that. The guy is cold, after all. XP

LAD: The entire story as in Ketsuron? Or the entire story as in the whole of the Honesty Saga? It's really rather amazing that the first scene... well, second scene I ever wrote for this fic is a favourite - the first scene I ever wrote got cut by me in the editing process. And did you know that number 9 originally had Tala working Bryan's belt off, not kissing him playfully? Which way do you prefer? Oh, and that's got to be the longest review I've ever had...

Dark Shadowess: Outward appearances can be misleading. All may not be as it seems. ((evil grin))

SoulSister: Bryan throwing himself off a cliff... romantic! Oo; You know, I've never looked at it that way before...

Neko Raykai: Onegai? I haven't come across that word in my studies. A fic only about Kai and Ray...((thinks)) We'll see. Depends how my other fics go. Got a Tala/Bryan, and a Ray/Mariah-Kevin/Lee fic in the works. Maybe I'll write a Ray/Kai oneshot...

tntiggris: Still a way to go, my friend, still a way to go...

Kit-Cat Caitlin: Sometimes I swear Izure is the same... the strangling thing, that is. I don't know how she puts up with all my plot spinning and hole filling I ramble on about to her. But then, she sometimes fills in the holes for me... ((hugs beta)) Meanwhile, Stalker of Shadows shoots the bad plots down in flames. ((hugs other beta)) To think what you might have been subjected too...

Narratress: I guess it would all come down to how horny they are. XD

Shaman Wolf: Still going to send me some to look at? I'm very curious, after all. Not to mention I need more doujinshi for White Tiger Claw...

Lady Snowblossom: What? Not happy with Boris being jailed for life? XP I replied to your email, btw. Hope I helped.

Chaco and Lily: And the first part was written so long ago... does that mean my writing style was better back then? ((sweats)) That may be bad... Not being as good as I was...

After the action comes the peace… and some light banter.

Disclaimer: Please see first page

Kai clipped Black Dranzer back onto his pendant, barely managing to place it back around his neck before he found his arms filled with Ray, the neko-jin burying his face into Kai's chest. Kai smiled, looking up and watching Gary and Mariah greet Lee as he joined them, Tyson and Max pouncing on Kevin and giving him a hard time about being lazy.

"Is everyone okay?" Mr Dickenson hurried toward them as the authorities began rounding up and Genesis bladers. "Is anyone hurt?"

"A couple of broken bones, and some cuts and bruises," Judy told him as she finished making a splint for Michael's arm, looking up to where Oliver was fussing over Enrique as the Italian held a handkerchief to the deep gash on his arm. "Apart from that everyone is fine."

"That is such a relief. I was worried it would be more serious." Mr Dickenson frowned, looking around. "Where's Tala?"

"He took off after Antwan," Tyson told him, pointing toward the quarry. "Bryan went after him. We don't know how they made out."

"They'll be fine," Panas said, dropping down onto a boulder and crossing one leg over the other. "That is, of course, if they haven't killed each other."

"More likely Tala will kill Bryan," Kai said, looking down at him. "Glad to see you came, Panas. I thought you 'd take the chance to up and leave, especially considering what will happen if Tala sees you."

"You mean he'll jump to the wrong conclusions." Panas shrugged. "Apart from keeping Bryan from doing anything to hurt himself, Bryan and I kept mostly to ourselves. He spent all his time in his room and I spent mine watching movies and fiddling with a keyboard. You'll be pleased to know I still have my knack for playing songs perfectly after only hearing them once."

Johnny frowned as he looked down at the stranger. "And you are?"

"The names Panas Fomin. I grew up in the Abbey, kid."

Max blinked. "You're Bryan's ex-boyfriend?"

"Why is it that's the only way anyone ever remembers me." Panas sighed, rolling his eyes as he shook his head. "Yes, though I prefer to think of it as Bryan being my ex-boyfriend. Why can't anyone else do that? I'm older than him, so therefore I should be given first preference."

Kai smirked. "Bryan's a better blader."

Panas met his eye. "I taught him Stroblitz."

"Bryan perfected and strengthened it."

"I know how to neutralise it."

Johnny blinked. "You do?"

"I most certainly do." Panas smirked, crossing his arms over his chest. "I used to be Bryan's training partner before Boris threw me off the main team and shoved Ian on it. Boris never did like Bryan and I being so close. As far as he was concerned, only he was allowed to get close, if you see what I'm saying." He paused, looking up. "Hang on, you're Johnny McGregor, right?"

"Yeah, so?"

"Do you realise just how many people are sweet on you? Let's see." He frowned, ticking them off his fingers. "Kai, Bryan, Kevin, Oliver, Michael, Eddy, Mariah, Tala, myself, Ray, Enrique, Tyson… how many is that? Dammit, I lost count. Who was I up too?"

Johnny just stared at him before he growled, crossing his arms over his chest and turning away. "You're bullshitting."

"Actually no." Panas gestured around him. "Look how many of them seem to be plotting my death right now."

Johnny looked around, smirking. "You have a point."

"Comes from being observant. It's simply a matter of watching everyone's expressions when you're battling or at a press session."

"Not bad, Panas." Johnny looked down at him. "You know, you're not such a bad blader. How about a battle some time."

"That would be great, but I'm afraid I will be leaving Moscow ASAP."

"Well then, if you ever happen to be in Scotland feel free to drop by."

"I'll have to take you up on that."

They looked up as they heard a scuffing, spotting the hands on the edge of the quarry before Tala's head appeared, the Russian clambering up over the edge. He brushed his hair back, looking toward them and narrowing his eyes before turning back to the edge, reaching down and grabbing something, pulling back as the second hand grasped the cliff edge, Bryan heaving himself up.

Tala moved toward them, brushing the dirt from himself. "So what did we miss?"

"Not much," Ian said, working a jarred wrist. "Just McGregor and Panas flirting, that's all."

Bryan snorted. "Desperate."

Panas threw a rock at him, Bryan easily ducking it as Tala frowned, his gaze swinging to take in the dark haired Russian.

"What are you doing here?"

Panas pointed at Ian. "He told us what was happening so I tagged along."

"You were with Bryan?"

"Hey! Nothing happened, okay."

Tala looked at him sceptically. "Like I believe that."

"Well you should." Panas wiped a smudge off Horborg's bit chip. "I actually mean it this time. I haven't had any for three weeks now. It's depressing."

"Right." Tala crossed his arms over his chest. "So it was simply coincidence that you happened to be staying at the same place as Bryan."

Panas shrugged it off. "Well, Bryan does own that penthouse apartment."

"Oh really, so-" Tala paused, eyes widening. "Penthouse?"

"Just because Panas was there doesn't mean anything happened, Tal." Bryan looked down at him. "Yes we have a history, but I spent my time carving in my room. We hardly even talked."

"Penthouse?"

Tyson blinked, pointing toward the redhead. "What's with him?"

"Time bomb ticking down," Bryan said, scowling. "Wait til it sinks in."

"Oh?" Tyson looked at him. "What will happen?"

"YOU OWN A FRIGGIN PENTHOUSE AND YOU DIDN"T TELL ME!"

"That." Bryan sighed, rubbing his eyes. "I didn't buy it for me, Tal, I bought it for the boys when they're in Moscow and need somewhere to crash."

Tala growled. "So you do have a penthouse?"

"I just said I did."

"And you were planning to tell me, when?"

Bryan bit his lip. "I wasn't."

Azure eyes narrowed. "Oh really."

"I knew what your reaction would be."

"Is that so." Tala planted his hands on his hips. "It's perfectly fine for you to buy a penthouse apartment, but as soon as I mention buying a mansion you go off at me!"

Bryan looked down at him. "There's a difference between a mansion and a penthouse."

"Oh?"

"You can't get lost in a penthouse."

Ian pointed at Bryan. "He's got a point."

"Shut up, Ian." Tala scowled. "You stay at this place, right?"

"When you're pissed at me, sure." Bryan raised an eyebrow. "Safer than dodging knives."

"Just what do you-" Tala paused as the memory played through his mind, causing his shoulders to slump as he sighed, shaking his head. "Yeah. I guess it would be."

"You have a nasty temper, Tal." Bryan prodded him in the chest. "You just don't realise it."

"I'm afraid he's right, cous." Kai stepped toward him, draping an arm around Tala's shoulders and squeezing them. "Why do you think we call you a drama queen? Your temper is just one of the things you over-exaggerate. That and your insatiable need to make things out to be worse than they are, and your ability to never be able to drop trivial and pointless grudges and issues."

Tala growled. "Don't even think I'm going to apologise."

Kai chuckled. "Do that and we'll check you into the closest mental institution."

"Yeah." Bryan smirked. "That and we'd be looking for weapons because you'd take us out the minute our back was to you."

A smile flickered across Tala's lips as he met Bryan's eye. "You're the one with the gun."

"I think you'll find I'm not the only one." Bryan looked behind him and spotted something, causing him to smile. "Good to see you back on your feet, kid."

"Good to be back." Kevin reached out, clasping Bryan's offered hand. "Got heaps of pranks to catch up on. Wanna help me out?"

"I've got a few planned ones myself."

Ian groaned. "Great. Now I'm gonna have to check my things for spiders."

"Spiders?" Bryan shook his head, smirking. "Try dung beetles, or maybe some worms. That or lake weed."

Ian shuddered. "Captain!"

"Leave him alone, Bryan." Tala stretched, rubbing the back of his neck. "I don't know about you, but I'm tired, I'm sweaty, it's getting late and it's about to snow. I vote for getting out of here."

"I must agree." Mr Dickenson tugged at his moustache. "The authorities will most likely want to question you in the morning, but right now you all deserve a good rest. Come along."

They all followed him toward the exit, Tala reaching out and catching Bryan by the back of the jacket, holding him back.

"Not you, Bry." Tala stepped closer as he drew Bryan backward. "We need to talk."

Johnny and Panas were flirting! And Tala still has issues.

For Those Confused: There are 51 chapters to this fic, and this is only chapter 37 if you include the prologue, so it's not over. Ketsuron translates to 'conclusion'.

Believe Update: The sequel to my fic Frozen, I have actually now completed the writing. It only took just shy of two years to do so - I started it in October 2003. My beta Izure has looked it over, and we've gone through chapter by chapter looking for flaws and discussing how to correct them. I am now revising the fic, and once done I will give it to Stalker of Shadows. Once she finishes with it, I will make the final edit. Believe will premier on the day I put up the last update for Ketsuron, so in a while.